He began his professional career as an avid photographer and was published in Look Magazine. He joined the Illinois State Police in 1951and retired in 1976. He enjoyed boating and golf.

A beloved husband and father, he is survived by wife Lil Fanos of Naples, Florida; daughters Sue Dulaney of Quincy; and Jane Floyd and her husband Wayne of Snowmass, Colorado; grandchildren Scott Dean and his wife Angela; Sean Dean and his wife Danielle of Quincy; and Liz Floyd of Colorado; and great-grandchildren Tyler, Conner, Logan and Bailey Dean of Quincy; sister-in-law Edie Fischer of Naples Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hypathia of Chicago, and a sister Grace Morris of Atlanta, Georgia.

A memorial service will be held at the Illinois Veteran's Home All Faiths Chapel in Quincy on Thursday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. John Adams officiating. Inurnment will be in Sunset Cemetery with military rites by the Illinois Veterans Home. Memorials made to the Blessing foundation for Hospice or the Illinois Veterans Home Activities Fund in his name would be appreciated. Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.